Hyundai's Kia Motors to set foot in India soon: Report

Kia is currently studying the possible locations where it can set up its manufacturing plant, reports the Times of India.

Kia Motors, South Korea's second-largest automobile manufacturer and a subsidiary of Korean auto giant Hyundai, is reportedly set to foray into the Indian market soon. Kia, which sells models like "Sportage" compact SUV, "Soul" crossover and "Rio" hatchback in the global market has already started analysing the possible models for the Indian market, reports the Times of India.

According to the report, Kia, which sees India as a potential market, is currently also studying the possible locations to set up a manufacturing plant of the company. The company is said to have carried out several studies on the feasibility in the Indian market and is ready to invest here.

If this rings true, the plant of Kia Motors would also be utilised by Hyundai for the production of some of its models. The report also adds that it might take nearly two-years for Kia to come to the Indian market, as the company also has to meet other requirements before the new innings.

Meanwhile, rumours of Toyota Kirloskar Motor's (TKM) plan to bring Daihatsu small cars to India have also started gaining traction. Toyota, which is currently in the process of making Daihatsu a wholly owned subsidiary, will sell the small cars of the company with Toyota badge in the domestic market, reported the Economic Times.

It was also reported that Daihatsu team has already started working on the small car project for the Indian market and is also analysing the possibility of introducing the existing models into the market.

Both Kia and Daihatsu will primarily challenge the dominance of Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai in the sub-continent.